Military detains Naval rating for killing soldier

The Defence Headquarters has detained a naval rating identified as A. Akila for allegedly killing his colleague.

Akila, deployed to Forward Operating Base Dansadua for Operation Fansan Yamma, is said to have killed his colleague under questionable circumstances.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday in Zamfara State.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, stated that the naval rating shot several times at his colleague.

He further stated that Akila was disarmed and subsequently detained, with an investigation into the incident currently underway.

Buba indicated that the suspect would be charged in a court-martial following the completion of the investigation.

He stated, “On October 25, 2024, at about 0312 hours, naval personnel LS Akila A., deployed at FOB Dansadua for Operation FANSAN YAMMA, opened fire sporadically, killing a fellow military colleague under questionable circumstances.

“Thereafter, he was arrested, disarmed, and detained, and an investigation has since commenced into the case. After the investigation, the case will be escalated to a standing court martial set up to address such misdemeanours among troops.”

He noted that efforts are being made to notify the family of the soldier killed by Akila.

“Meanwhile, the administrative procedure for notifying the family of the deceased is ongoing. It is for this reason that his name has not yet been released to the public. Nevertheless, the name will be released in due course.”

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